The Republic in Danger

Drusus Libo and the Succession of Tiberius

Andrew Pettinger

Offers a new and compelling model for understanding the end of Augustus' reign and the succession of Tiberius

Contains an appendix of Family Trees which helps the reader consider and understand the complex family relationships described

The Republic in Danger

Drusus Libo and the Succession of Tiberius

Andrew Pettinger

Description

The Republic in Danger offers a new interpretation of Roman political history for the years 6 BC to AD 16, focusing especially on the rise of Tiberius Caesar and his succession to Augustus, the founder of the Principate.

The volume proposes a new and compelling model for understanding the end of Augustus' reign and the succession of Tiberius. While Tiberius' rise to supreme power was at the expense of Augustus' grandsons, who were all dead by the time Augustus was laid to rest, their supporters remained unconvinced that life was possible under the rule of Tiberius. The result was an alliance between the enemies of Tiberius and M. Scribonius Drusus Libo. Drusus Libo, an aristocrat connected to the house of the Caesar, committed suicide in AD 16 while on
trial for treason. Pettinger argues that Drusus Libo's prosecution was due to his alliance with Tiberius' enemies who were planning to destroy his government and replace tyranny with republican democracy. Pettinger offers a comprehensive analysis of the struggle between Tiberius and the supporters of Augustus' grandsons, which has repercussions for our understanding of the creation of the Principate at Rome.

The Republic in Danger

Drusus Libo and the Succession of Tiberius

Andrew Pettinger

Table of Contents

Preface Introduction 1. An Urgent Summons and a Terrible Charge2. The Treatment of an Enemy3. The Adoption of Agrippa Postumus and the Friends of Gaius Caesar4. Growing Pains5. The Buck Stops Where?6. Augustus Final Arrangements7. The exiles of the younger Julia, D. Junius Silanus, and Ovid8. Novus Principatus: an Imperial Co-operative9. The Hesitation of Tiberius10. "Did You Hear About Agrippa?"11. Germanicus: Successor to Tiberius or Augustus?12. Alternative GovernmentAppendix 1: A Prosopography of M. Scribonius Drusus Libo Apeendix 2: Family Trees Appendix 3: Timeline Bibliography

The Republic in Danger

Drusus Libo and the Succession of Tiberius

Andrew Pettinger

Author Information

Andrew Pettinger is currently an Associate of the Classics and Ancient History Department at the University of Sydney and works as a federal public servant.

The Republic in Danger

Drusus Libo and the Succession of Tiberius

Andrew Pettinger

Reviews and Awards

"Pettinger's rigorous examination of a nearly inscrutable period of Roman history and his willingness to challenge entrenched assumptions and to offer bold reinterpretations make this a refreshing work of scholarship."--Thomas E. Strunk, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

"Pettinger...provides valuable insight into various conspiracies of the period, which he treats with the attention they merit. The book is well-written, very well-researched and enjoyable to read, whether one agrees with his conclusions or not. He offers an original interpretation of a period we all feel that we 'know', a feat which is noteworthy in and of itself. The study, then, fills an important gap and will hopefully draw greater attention to the period of Augustan succession."--Sanjaya Thakur, Journal of Roman Archaeology

"Pettinger's study contributes significantly and commendably to our understanding of the Augustan Principate and the imperial succession."--Steven Rutledge, Journal of Roman Studies

The Republic in Danger

Drusus Libo and the Succession of Tiberius

Andrew Pettinger

From Our Blog

By Andrew Pettinger
I was recently invited by Oxford University Press (OUP) to have my book, The Republic in Danger, published on the online open access library OAPEN. After a few general questions, I happily accepted. Why?